Brain Pathology

Laboratory of Ion Channel Pathophysiology

Hiroaki Misono,Ph.D.
The functioning of the brain relies critically on the precise control of electrical excitability of billions of neurons, which are interconnected. However, in certain cases, the brain fails to effectively regulate neuronal excitability and falls into pathological conditions such as stroke and epilepsy. Controlling electrical excitability is a major role of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels by counteracting membrane depolarization.

Neurons express wide varieties of Kv channels, either on the somata, dendrites, or axons. These potassium channels act to achieve rapid and precise control of the local and global membrane excitability. In doing so, they effectively regulate the overall input-output relationship between synaptic stimuli to dendrites and neurotransmitter release from axon terminals. Therefore, altering the surface density, location, or functional characteristics of Kv channels profoundly affects neuronal signaling. The goal of my research is to understand the molecular basis of the constitutive and regulated mechanisms that dynamically change the localization and function of Kv channels, and how these impact the regulation of membrane excitability in brain neurons and thereby determine animal behaviors in health and disease.